Envision Williamson Road
In April 2023, the City of Roanoke was selected to receive technical assistance through the US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Thriving Communities Program. This program will provide the City with support in community engagement and technical modeling to address safety improvements on Williamson Road.
Williamson Road is an important connector between disadvantaged neighborhoods, activity centers, and businesses in Roanoke. Unfortunately, this corridor has been plagued by the effects of outdated land use planning and urban renewal practices, disinvestment, and inadequate transportation planning. These issues have resulted in safety hazards, vacant businesses, and a decline in economic vitality.
The City of Roanoke is one of 64 communities chosen to share in $21.15 million worth of technical assistance. Through this program, the City will strive to build authentic consensus around a vision for the future of Williamson Road that is widely accepted by stakeholders.
Envision Williamson Road is wrapping up the first phase of the study with Focus Group Meetings in October. Additional engagement opportunities will be offered in the next phases, as the team solidifies a vision and begins to identify potential safety solutions for the corridor.
Opportunities to Engage
Community Feedback on Williamson Road Demonstration Project
Stay Informed
Get notified on upcoming engagements and the latest project related news.
Project Phases
Visioning
Review of Mobility Along Williamson Road
Presentation of Proposed Recommendations
Project Updates
Williamson Road Demonstration Project to Launch September 29
The next phase of the Envision Williamson Road project is set to begin on September 29, 2025
Williamson Road Business Facade Grant
The Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association (GWRABA) is now accepting applications for a one-time grant to enhance business properties along Williamson Road, between Orange Avenue and Hershberger Road.
Important Dates
Envision Williamson Road Steering Committe Meeting
Thriving Communities, City representatives, and key stakeholders from the community met to kick-off Envision Williamson Road (EWR) with project background and information gathering and a walk audit of Williamson Road.
Envision Williamson Road Steering Committee Meeting #2
Thriving Communities, key stakeholders from the community, and City representatives gathered for the second stakeholder meeting. Envision Williamson Road is still in the visioning phase and early public engagement efforts shared with steering committee and further efforts discussed.
Envision Williamson Road Steering Committee Meeting #3
Thriving Communities, key stakeholders from the community, and City representatives will meet for the third stakeholder meeting at the Williamson Road Library Community Room. This meeting will continue our Phase 1 collaboration to Create a Vision together.
At this meeting:
- Toole Design, the City’s Vision Zero Consultant, will review crash statistics for Williamson Road.
- We will discuss the upcoming Envision Williamson Road Focus Group meetings.
Envision Williamson Road Steering Committee Meeting #4
This meeting will wrap up the visioning phase, including creation of a vision statement. It will begin phase 2, where we will introduce safety countermeasures. At this meeting we will:
Engage in an exercise to draft a vision for Williamson Road
Introduce and discuss safety countermeasure options for Williamson Road
Review next steps for the project
Envision Williamson Road Steering Committee Meeting #5
The USDOT Thriving Communities technical assistance for Envision Williamson runs through June 2025. Over the next six months, we’ll review potential safety countermeasures and how they could be applied to Williamson Road, gather feedback from the Steering Committee on which options to advance further, and finalize concepts that will guide the City on efforts ahead.
At this meeting we will:
- Recap Vision
- Recap Issues Presented at Previous Steering Committee Meeting
- Road Safety, Safety Countermeasure Options, and Visualizations of those options on Williamson Rd